Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your entrepreneurial journey. It can accelerate your growth, sharpen your thinking, and help you avoid costly mistakes. The right mentor doesn’t just offer advice—they challenge you, guide you, and believe in your potential even when you’re still figuring it out yourself.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to find a mentor who can help guide and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey. You’ll discover why mentorship matters, what qualities to look for in a great mentor, where to find the right person, and how to approach them with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your next big leap, the right mentor can make all the difference. Let’s dive into how you can find yours.
Two Mentors, Two Approaches
In Entrepreneurial Leap, Gino Wickman talks about two important mentors who helped shape his life—and they each had a very different approach.
The first was his dad, Floyd Wickman. His style was informal. He shared advice during everyday conversations and set an example through how he lived and worked. Gino learned a lot just by being around him.
The second mentor was Sam Cupp. Their relationship was more structured. For four years, they met every other month for 90 minutes. Gino would share his ideas and challenges, and Sam would offer honest feedback and practical guidance.
These sessions were exciting, sometimes a little nerve-wracking—but always valuable. Even after the regular meetings ended, Sam continued to mentor him for another ten years.
Sam passed away suddenly while playing ice hockey—one of his passions. His loss was deeply felt, but his impact was lasting.
Gino’s experience shows that mentors come in all forms. Whether casual or structured, the right mentor can leave a lifelong imprint on your personal and business journey.
What Is a Mentor?
A mentor is someone more experienced who guides you, advises you, and shares their lessons so you can grow faster and smarter. It’s about finding someone who is where you want to be and asking them to help you get there.
What to Look for in a Great Mentor
Not all mentors are created equal. When choosing a mentor, look for someone who:
- Has real-world experience building or running a business
- Embodies your values and has a reputation for integrity
- Listens well, asks great questions, and challenges your thinking
- Gives honest feedback—even when it’s uncomfortable
- Is generous with their time and willing to share their lessons learned
- Believes in you and sees your potential, even before you fully see it yourself
- Is where you want to be in 10–20 years—not just in business, but in life
You don’t need a celebrity entrepreneur. You need someone who’s walked the path and is willing to reach back and help guide you forward.
Read the related article: Are You A “Partner Person”?
How to Find a Mentor
Finding a great mentor takes intention, patience, and courage. It’s not just about luck—it’s about being proactive and prepared. Here’s how to approach the process with clarity and confidence:
1. Define Your Vision
Before you seek guidance from anyone, you need to know where you’re headed. Take time to define what kind of business you want to build. What problem are you solving? Who are your customers? What does success look like to you? The clearer your vision, the easier it is to identify the kind of person who can help you get there.
Look for individuals who have built something similar, either in size, structure, or industry. Your mentor doesn’t need to be in the exact same niche—sometimes a fresh perspective from a related or adjacent field can be even more valuable.
Pro tip: Avoid reaching out to direct competitors. Even if they admire your drive, they may feel reluctant to share insights that could overlap with their business.
2. Identify Candidates
Once you know what you’re building, start looking for people who have already walked that path. Begin with your personal network—ask friends, family, professors, or former coworkers if they know someone who fits the profile. Attend entrepreneurial events, workshops, or local meetups. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool—use it to search for entrepreneurs with similar business models or shared connections.
Aim to build a list of at least three to five people who you believe could be strong mentors. Don’t be discouraged if none are immediately available. This process is about planting seeds—and sometimes, the right connection takes time to grow.
Reminder: Most seasoned entrepreneurs are busy. A “no” isn’t a rejection of you—it’s just a reflection of their bandwidth. Keep reaching out until you find a “yes.”
3. Make the Ask
When you’ve found someone you admire, take the first step and reach out. Send a thoughtful message—whether by email, social media, or through a mutual connection. Be respectful of their time. Keep it short and focused.
Briefly share who you are, why you admire their work, and what you’re building. Then, ask for a short meeting—15 to 30 minutes—to learn more about their journey. That’s it. Don’t ask them to be your mentor right away. Focus on building a relationship first.
During that first meeting, be prepared. Share your vision, ask meaningful questions, and listen closely. If the conversation goes well and feels like a good fit, you can follow up and ask if they’d consider mentoring you on a regular basis.
4. Propose a Format
If they agree to mentor you, the next step is to define the structure of your relationship. Will you meet once a month, every other month, or as needed? Will it be a video call, phone call, or in person? How long will each session be? What should each of you prepare ahead of time?
There’s no single right answer. The format depends on what works best for both of you. What matters most is consistency, clear expectations, and mutual respect.
When Gino Wickman was mentored by Sam Cupp, they met every other month for 90 minutes. That structure gave Gino momentum and direction. Your meetings might be more frequent—or more informal. The goal is to create a rhythm that helps you grow and keeps the relationship strong.
What If You Don’t Find One Right Away?
If you don’t find a mentor immediately, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Finding the right mentor is often more of a journey than a quick fix. Sometimes the timing isn’t right. The person you want to learn from might not be available, or you may still be gaining clarity about what kind of guidance you truly need. That’s perfectly normal.
Instead of feeling discouraged, shift your mindset. Use this waiting period to keep building your foundation. Learn everything you can. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend events, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you—even if they aren’t formal mentors yet. Growth attracts guidance. When you’re actively leveling up, you become more visible to the right people.
Also, remember that mentorship can take many forms. While you wait for a formal mentor, look for “micro-mentors” in your life—people who offer you wisdom through short conversations, feedback, or even example. You don’t need a title or long-term commitment to learn something valuable from someone else.
Eventually, when you’re clear, committed, and consistent in your efforts, the right mentor will often show up. Be patient—but stay ready.
Read related article: Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
Use the MentorTrack™
When you do get a mentor, point them to the MentorTrack in Entrepreneurial Leap. Let them know you’ve done your homework—you’ve read the book, you’re serious, and you’re ready with questions.
